Jesus begins to explain that we should always forgive others.
The Unforgiving Servant Mathew 18: 21-35
Forgive your brother seventy seven times...
Once upon a time, there was a king . . .
Jesus told the parable of a king whose servant owed him very much money. The king forgave the debt of the servant because he was merciful and kind.
Servant! You must pay me the ten thousand talents you owe me.
I pity you, so I will forgive your debt.
I'm sorry master, but I do not have the money. If you have patience with me, I will pay you everything.
The servant then encountered a different servant who owed him much less money. He then sent him to prison because the man could not pay his debts.
Give me my money now!
You're going to prison until you can pay me what you owe!
I'm sorry sir, I don't have the money, but if you have patience, I will pay you.
The actions of the unforgiving servant were reported back to the king.
Sir! The servant you just forgave sent a different servant to prison!
That's outrageous! I must punish him!
The king then shouted at the servant and put him in jail for his actions.
You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?
I am putting you in jail until you pay back the debt!
Jesus then explained that the king in the parable was like God and that you will be punished if you do not forgive someone after God has forgiven you.
God will do the same to you if you do not forgive those who harm you.